Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleasing casserole—a hearty, cheesy, and deeply savory dish that combines tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a rich tomato-cream sauce, all baked under a blanket of golden, bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan. This recipe is a celebration of rustic Italian-American comfort, where every component is thoughtfully layered to create a cohesive, satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace. The magic begins with browning savory Italian sausage, rendering its flavorful fat which then becomes the foundation for sautéing mushrooms and onions, building layers of umami-rich depth. A simple yet luxurious sauce of crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, brightened with herbs and a touch of tomato paste, coats every piece of pasta, ensuring each bite is perfectly sauced without being heavy. The final bake transforms the dish, melting the cheeses into a glorious, golden crust and allowing all the flavors to meld into a harmonious whole.
The brilliance of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of richness and heartiness, and its incredible appeal to a wide range of tastes. The combination of savory sausage and earthy mushrooms creates a deeply satisfying, almost meaty flavor profile, while the creamy tomato sauce adds a touch of indulgence without overwhelming. The penne or rigatoni pasta, with its ridges and hollow centers, is the perfect vehicle for capturing the sauce and cheese in every bite. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole is the ultimate one-dish meal—perfect for feeding a hungry family, bringing to a potluck, or simply enjoying as a cozy weekend dinner. It’s a recipe that promises to become a cherished favorite, delivering comfort and joy with every single serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich, Savory, and Deeply Satisfying: Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy tomato sauce create incredible depth of flavor.
- Perfectly Cheesy and Golden: A generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan melts into a bubbly, irresistible crust.
- Complete One-Dish Meal: Pasta, protein, and sauce all bake together for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Universally loved, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Great for Make-Ahead & Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340g) penne, rigatoni, or other short pasta
Salted water, for boiling
For the Filling:
1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (14 oz / 400g) can crushed tomatoes
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Topping:
1 ½ cups (about 6 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (about 2 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until well browned, about 5-7 minutes. If there is excess grease, carefully drain it off.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the mushrooms have released their liquid and begun to brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to caramelize it slightly.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Combine and Assemble
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and mushroom sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly for cleaner portions. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it to al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
- Drain Excess Fat: If your sausage is very fatty, drain off the excess after browning to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Use Quality Sausage: Good-quality Italian sausage with fennel and spices makes a significant difference in flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add a cup of spinach or chopped bell peppers with the mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
- Customize the Cheese: A blend of provolone, fontina, or asiago can be used in place of or in addition to the mozzarella.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: This pasta bake freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Assemble completely but do not bake, or cool fully after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Bake is the epitome of hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying home cooking. It’s a dish that brings people together, fills the kitchen with incredible aromas, and delivers pure comfort in every single bite.
